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Important Parts of an Espresso Machine A quality espresso machine will produce a shot of coffee with a thick body, a rich flavor and an intense aroma. This requires high pressure and temperature. Pay attention to the crema. This golden-brown layer gives rich espressos their distinctive flavor and color. There are four major types of espresso machines: semi-automatic, manual automatic, super-automatic and semi-automatic. Water reservoir The reservoir for water is a container that houses cold, purified water that is fed into the espresso machine. It is usually movable, and comes with a lid to keep the water clean and free of dust. It is a crucial component of an espresso machine, and should be kept clean to avoid clogging. Pour vinegar into the reservoir to clean it. Let it run for several minutes. The espresso machine uses water to pressurize coffee grounds to extract flavors as well as caffeine, oils and flavor. It also produces crema, which is the foam. Achille Gaggia was the inventor of the first espresso machines, which utilized pistons and levers for high-pressure making. Gaggia's spring pistons pushed water through the coffee into the cup. This introduced a new term “coffee crème” (crema). The pump makes use of electricity to push water through the heating element in order to heat it to the ideal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is usually located at the bottom of the machine and attached to a tube which runs up through the heating element. The tube is also connected at either end to hot-water and cold-water tubes. It also passes underneath the heating elements that resist heat which are coated with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump The pump is what makes espresso machines work and there are many kinds. Some machines employ a vibratory pump or a vibration pump that uses an electromagnetic motor to move back and forth in a coil with 60 pushes per second. The pump pumps water into the portafilter and then out of the spouts. Some pumps utilize an heating system, known as a thermoblock or thermocoil, to heat the water precisely at the temperature needed for brewing. These systems allow for the control of water temperature and pressure, both of which are crucial for a good extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines could employ a piston, spring or electric pump. However, all require that water be moved through the grounds of coffee at a high pressure. The higher the pressure, the more efficient the extraction. The pump makes sure that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps produce good crema. Steam-driven and piston-driven espresso machines are also available. In a steam-driven machine the water is forced through the ground coffee by using steam pressure. This model is more affordable however it doesn't provide the same amount of pressure to extract. There are also air-pump-driven espresso machines, which are lighter and smaller, but do not require a boiler. They can be powered by hand pumps or a canister filled with compressed air (such as N2 or CO2). Air-pump-driven espresso makers have less pressure than pump-driven espresso machines, but they may be more convenient for some people. Steam wand The steam wand is a thin metal pipe that shoots hot steam pressurized into your milk to make foamy drinks like Lattes and cappuccinos. You can also use the wand to create hot coffee or cocoa. The wand is equipped with several holes that can be turned on or off to control the amount of steam released. Some machines come with traditional wands, while others have a Pannarello that is simpler to use, but doesn't produce foam suitable for latte art. If you're experiencing problems with condensing milk, it could be that your espresso machine is having issues with its anti-vacuum device. This valve is designed in order to prevent air from getting into the steam wand as it is in operation. best home espresso machine can test it by lowering the steam wand while listening for a hissing noise. If you hear a hissing sound this indicates that air is being drawn in. You must raise the wand to let it submerge completely. You can also test the valve for anti-vacuum by removing the wand from the tank and cleaning it using warm water along with a soft-bristled toothbrush or sponge. It is crucial to keep the wand clean to avoid clogging which can impact your frothing. If you're unable to fix the problem yourself, you can always call an expert technician or manufacturer for assistance. Control panel The control panel of an espresso machine allows the user to set up and modify settings. These include coffee strength as well as volume of milk. These settings are stored in memory and can be modified anytime. The display will indicate when the machine should be descaled and when the reservoir for water is full. The majority of espresso machines have a hot water dispenser. This is usually found in between or next to the groups. It can be used to prepare hot tea or to heat cups if needed. It is also useful to clean and rinse. There are many models with pressure gauges on the front of the machine, indicating the current boiler pressure. There is also a brew switch, which controls the brew cycle and the amount of shots. This is important because espresso shot size is determined by the amount of time that the grounds are in contact with the water. If desired, the switch can be used to initiate the steaming process. The control system for this espresso machine is somewhat outdated however, it provides easy-to use functionality. It features a narrow LCD that feels more like an ordinary LED. It is simple to navigate through the menus. However there is a little learning curve for those who are new to using espresso machines. The machine's temperature stability is also impressive. It keeps a perfect water temperature between 194deg – 208deg F throughout the entire making process. This guarantees perfect aroma extraction and a top-quality cup every time.